Handicrafts exports grow 10% in July

NEW DELHI: India's handicrafts exports grew 10 per cent year-on-year to about USD 205 million in July 2013 owing to rising demand from markets like the US, China and Latin America.

In July last year, these exports stood at USD 185.88 million, according to the data provided by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).

"There has been an increase in the number of orders from emerging markets like China, Latin America and Africa," EPCH Executive Director Rakesh Kumar said.

He said the US market has started picking up though the demand is still sluggish in European countries.

The US and Europe together account for about 60 per cent of the country's total handicraft shipments.

Besides, the exporters are exploring new markets like China, Latin America and Africa to reduce dependence on traditional markets.

Founder of RK Arts and former EPCH Chairman Ravi Passi said : "We are expanding our presence in new markets like China and Latin America as our products are getting popularity in these markets. Also, we expect this trend to continue in the coming months."

Among the items that registered increase in July 2013, were woodwares which saw the highest growth of 28 per cent, followed by shawls as artwares at 25.56 per cent and imitation jewellery at 25.36 per cent.

During April-July 2013, handcraft items grew about 12 per cent to USD 869 million compared to the same period last fiscal.

The country's total handicraft exports have met the target of USD 3.3 billion for 2012-13.

The handicraft sector employs one million people. Moradabad, Jaipur, Saharanpur and Jodhpur are the major handicraft hubs in the country catering to global markets.